Weight Distribution and Brake Controller for Towing a 23 Foot Travel Trailer with a 2004 Ford F-250
Question:
Would this be a good choice to install on a 2004 ford heavy duty F 250 pick up towing a 23 travel trailer with a empty weight of 4500 lbs/ full weight of 5500 ? Also do I need a brake control installed inside the cab? Do they have a package for all items?
asked by: jim j
Expert Reply:
Yes, the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System item # RP66086, would work with the trailer weight fully loaded at 5,500 pounds, but you will be very close to the maximum recommended tongue weight rating for the spring bars in the weight distribution system.
A better option would be the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System, item # RP66087, which will allow for more tongue weight should your trailer load get heavier in the future. I have included links to the installation details below.
Along with either of these systems you will need a properly sized hitch ball to complete the setup. Either the Hitch Ball with 2 inch Diameter and Medium Shank, 8,000 lbs GTW - Chrome, item # A-90, and the Hitch Ball with 2-5/16 inch Diameter and Medium Shank, 12,000 lbs GTW - Chrome, item # 19286, depending on your coupler size.
Installing a brake controller in the cab of your truck is required for use of the electric brakes on the trailer. For you 2004 Ford F-250 Super Duty, I would recommend the Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller item # 90885 to be used with wiring harness for the Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty, 2004, item # 3035-P. This wiring harness plugs into a port located on the right side of the steering column under the dash (see video link). If your truck has the factory installed 7-Way connector, most do, this will be all that is needed. If you do not have the factory 7-Way at the rear of the vehicle, I have linked an article on how to complete the 7-Way connection, item # 37185.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Multi-Function Adapter
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Round Bar - 10,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >